Sustainable Space Activities From Open Ocean to Coastline

The vast expanse of space has long captured our imaginations and fueled our desire to explore its infinite possibilities. However, as we venture further into the final frontier, we must not forget that Earth's orbit is not an infinite playground, but a finite and valuable resource that requires responsible management for the sake of future generations.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in commercial activities in space. With the increasing number of space companies and the decreasing access and operations to space and down to earth is shaping new business and opportunities for partnerships between traditional space and non-traditional space companies. It is important to consider how commercial strategy and policy should be shaped to ensure sustainable and responsible use of space resources. Consider the perspective of an extended vision of Earth's orbit as a coastline, rather than an open ocean or an extension of airspace and explore how this vision can inform commercial strategy and policy.

The concept of Earth's orbit as a coastline is not a new one. In fact, it has been proposed by several space experts and organizations, including the International Astronautical Federation and the Secure World Foundation. The idea is simple: just as the coastline of a country represents a valuable and limited resource that must be managed and protected, Earth's orbit should be treated as a valuable and limited resource that requires careful management and protection. What is critically important is what was discussed in a recent article, Space Sustainability a New Ecosystem

With the rise of space exploration and commercialization, it is essential for global organizations to address sustainability in the context of space for Earth, space for space, and Earth for space.

Currently, Earth's orbit is treated more like an open ocean or an extension of airspace. This means that anyone can launch a satellite or spacecraft into orbit if they follow certain regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. However, this approach is not sustainable in the long term. As more and more satellites are launched into orbit, the risk of collisions and debris increases, which could have serious consequences for future space activities.

By treating Earth's orbit as a coastline, we can shift our perspective and adopt a more sustainable and responsible approach to space activities. This means recognizing that Earth's orbit is a finite resource that needs to be managed carefully to ensure that it remains accessible and usable for future generations.

Implications for Commercial Strategy and Policy: So, how can we apply the concept of Earth's orbit as a coastline to commercial strategy and policy? ??

Prioritizing sustainability: Just as coastal management strategies prioritize sustainability and environmental protection, commercial strategies for space activities should prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management. This could include measures such as designing satellites with a lifespan that minimizes the creation of space debris or implementing policies that encourage the use of sustainable materials in spacecraft construction.

Collaboration and cooperation: Coastline management often involves collaboration and cooperation between different stakeholders, such as government agencies, local communities, and private companies. Similarly, commercial space activities should prioritize collaboration and cooperation between different actors, including space companies, government agencies, and international organizations. This could include sharing data and resources, developing common standards and regulations, and coordinating activities to minimize the risk of collisions and debris. Considering data and the security of data require a culture of sustainability and security how are organizations shaping this effort??The recent article, Cyber Security in the Space Sector: Culture Driving Successful Security Programs, speaks to the need for this intersection,

With an increased focus on innovation and rapid prototyping, cyber security risks should be a priority given the criticality of space infrastructure to our everyday lives and to essential services such as military, utilities, transportation, and emergency communications.

Resource allocation: Just as coastal management involves allocating resources and setting priorities for different activities, such as fishing, tourism, and conservation, commercial space activities should prioritize resource allocation and set clear priorities for different types of space activities. This could involve developing policies that prioritize certain types of space activities, such as scientific research or telecommunications, over others.

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The concept of Earth's orbit as a coastline offers a new perspective on how we should approach commercial space activities. By recognizing the limited and valuable nature of this resource, we can adopt a more sustainable and responsible approach to space activities that prioritizes collaboration, resource allocation, and environmental protection. As we continue to explore the possibilities of space, it is important to remember that Earth's orbit is not an infinite resource, but a finite and precious one that we must manage carefully for the benefit of future generations.

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Select Topics and Approaches for Discovery:

• What are the big questions we should be asking about Sustainability archetypes in the Commercial Space ecosystem?
• What are our current and future needs across the value chain?
• VC investment in sustainability tech is booming – What is the investment landscape in this new ecosystem?
• What are partnership and venture opportunities?
• What are the signals of change creating Sustainability opportunities and how data can enhance speed, connectivity, and economic value?

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Let’s explore together a proactive approach to identify how these signals could impact your organization. We welcome your perspectives and observations to extend the conversation.